What Punching Bag Should I Get?

Updated: May 4, 2017 by James

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Punching bags are always the most important sports accessory for getting training for the punching strength, keeping focus, learning counter striking and improving the kicking strength. No matter whether you need one for exercising purpose or for strength training, you need to know exactly what to look for while making a purchase.

Ranging from the types of punching bags to the features like weight and material, you should know about everything whenever you are purchasing one for yourself. As it is going to cost you a fortune, it is best to do your research before spending funds. So if you are thinking about what punching bag you should get, read the below article for a full guide.

Buying Guide

First of all, you should know that for what specific purpose, you need a punching bag. Whether you need to do strength exercise to make your fists and punch stronger or you need one for a kick training.

There is a different type of model for every purpose, so it is best to think deep about the purpose of purchasing. There is also an all-rounder model for all the purposes. Check out our infograpic below and read the details underneath.

Type of Punching Bags

They are available in the below-listed types in the market:

Heavy Bags

A heavy punching bag is ideal for a strength training and muscle toning. To develop your fist muscles and to make your punch stronger, heavy bags should be purchased. Water or sand models are available, where water filled bag offer more kickback and least damage to the hand. A sand filled bag is tougher and more durable.

You can find free standing heavy bags and traditional hanging bags. A free standing bag is ideal for punching as well as kicking exercises making it an all-rounder. So, they are suitable for MMA and other martial arts.

The hanging models are beneficial for punching workouts. Hence, this type is better for boxing training. They should be mounted correctly on the ceiling or on a wall frame with chains for safe usage.

An uppercut is a type of heavy bag but in a smaller package. It is used for practicing waist striking. It also needs more space for moving around so purchase this one if space is not an issue for you.

Speed Bag

Such type of bag comes in the lightweight category of equipment which is used to train the athletes of timing and not of strength. They are filled with air and so kick back with as much strength as you hit it with. This trains the fighters for hand-eye coordination and speed. Check out our speed bag guide here.

Double-Ended Bag

Such type of equipment resembles the basketball which is tied from both sides, one to the floor and other one to the ceiling and itself lying in-between. It trains the athlete for counter striking and resembles the functionality of speed bag depicting the opponent hitting back. They require permanent mounting and so dedicated floor space is required.

This type is great for those who want to develop the head movement since it swings well. It is also useful hooks and uppercuts, but it is not suitable for practicing body strikes because of its shape and design.

The Weight

Appropriate weight should be selected because a too heavy bag would cause damage to the knuckles and fingers of the user. Also, a too much lighter bag would not provide the required strength and resistance which is needed for training.

The weight of the equipment should be decided based on the weight and height of the particular user. For example, for an average male user, heighted 5’10” and weighing 190 lbs. a 50 to 70 pounds. weighing model should be ideal.

For males smaller than that, a lighter equipment would be perfect, and for taller males, a heavier bag would also work. But it is best to stay under the mark of 100 lbs. no matter what.

For the athletes who need different weights depending on the workouts, they should go for water filled models as they can vary the weight of the bag by adding or removing the water.

As for the other types are concerned, all of them are somewhat standardized and rarely needs to be adjusted.

The Materials

Along with the weight, the material used in the bag also leaves a variable user experience. It is important to select a proper material based on the specificity of the workout for a better workout experience.

Leather punching bags are more in demand because of its soft and comfortable feel with a pain-free experience. But the leather products are usually more expensive.

The other option is the vinyl bag. The cost of vinyl models would be less, but the feel and experience would not be the same. You can also buy models that are covered with specific, durable canvas, but the winner is the leather for sure.

I hope this buyer’s guide has helped you to pick the right type of punching bag for you to have a killer home boxing gym. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

Good information and very helpful!
I have two questions though; I’m not really looking for training, although general workouts are in mind. I struggle with anger issues and people have recommended getting a punching bag so, what would be the best to beat the hell out of? I’m a really small person, does that affect the bag I should choose?

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